Casual Dining set to launch at BDC

Diversified, the organiser of the lunch! exhibition, is launching a new trade show, Casual Dining.

The launch follows a consultation process with industry operators and suppliers, for a sector, conservatively estimated to be worth at least £5bn.

The event will be held at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on 26-27 February 2014, featuring a high profile seminar and keynote programme running alongside a trade exhibition of around 150 exhibitors.

Chris Brazier, event manager of Casual Dining, said the launch came as a direct response to feedback received from visitors and exhibitors at Diversified’s lunch! show.

“We have become very close to many of our exhibitors at lunch! who have told us that there is a real need for a new show, which reflects the specific needs of this crucial sector,” said Brazier. “In many ways, it is similar to when Diversified first launched lunch! a sector which had previously been served by the Sandwich and Snack Show but which failed to keep up with the changes in the market.

“Similarly, trade shows aimed at publicans were very successful 10 years ago but they have now all gone. Not because the market has died but because it’s moved on to focus on the food offering. It is this huge gap in the market which will be filled by the launch of Casual Dining,” added Brazier.